Every television show aspires to have the most buzz-worthy moments during its run. It is a desire that the creatives behindGame of Thronesknew all too well. For better or for worse, the series produced some of the most jaw-dropping, grotesque moments that entertained some, disgusted others, and called for all to interrogate the ways that suffering, violence, and trauma in the media sit on a thin line between informing the audience of the very real abuse that occurs in the world and making light of said abuse.
Game Of Thrones
House of the Dragon
Taking place about 172 years before the events ofGame of Thrones,House of the Dragontells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.
House of the Dragonbrings all the political intrigue and complicated character dynamics that made the earlier iteration exciting to watch, with a refreshing depiction of sex and violence. The latter of which remains gory from time to time because there is seemingly an intention to keep a healthier balance between capturing the dread the characters feel and the gaudiness of the violence itself.
Through family, betrayal, and lust, blood is the foundation of these respective stories. So it would only be fair to chronicle some of the many bloody events that have taken place in the world of Ice and Fire.
15The Crowning of Viserys III Targaryen
Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 6 - “A Golden Crown”
During the franchise’s infancy, the show made great strides in presenting some of the most perverse scenes on television at the time. One of these scenes is the death of the callous Viserys III Targaryen (Harry Lloyd). Introduced as the brother of Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), Viserys spent most of his adult life meticulously planning his imagined return to the Iron Throne, much at the expense of his younger sister.
A Crown Fit for a Tyrant
While Dany’s union with Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) was his doing, Viserys' selfishness and violent temperament proved to be a problem for said collaboration. The conflict boils over in the episode “A Golden Crown” where his fiery confrontation with Dany and Drogo results in the latter pouring a boiling pot of gold over Viserys.
While gratifying to watch due to Viserys' callousness, the scene itself is nothing short of disturbing, setting a precedence for the morbid scenes that would define the show.
14Daemon and Vaemond
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 8 - “The Lord of the Tides"
One of the many enabling factors of the bloody Dance Of Dragons is the speculation about the parenthood of Lucerys and Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett). While Rhaenyra was married to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan), many believed that the children’s actual father was Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) due to their resemblance as well as murmurs of Rhaenyra and Harwin’s affair.
Once the gossip reaches the ears of King Viserys I (Paddy Considine), he convenes with the entire court in hopes of putting a stop to the rumor. When Laenor’s brother Vaemond (Wil Johnson) speaks out of term, Daemon abruptly stops him from disrespecting the king, by decapitating him with a clean strike.
A Quick, Unexpected, and Decisive Blow
Daemon’s violence is anything but shocking. However, the scene is brutal to watch. While decapitations are fairly common in the world of Ice and Fire, the most chilling element of the confrontation is Daemon’s casual approach to offing Vaemond. A scene of Daemon striding over to strike him mid-conversation promises viewers that unexpected brutality is a trait that will never disappear from the stories they wish to project.
13Criston And Joffrey
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 5 - “We Light the Way”
One of the key players in the Dance Of Dragons is Kingsguard-turned-Lord Commander Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Introduced as a charming ally to a young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), Cole swiftly exchanges allegiances after Rhaenyra turns down his offer for a simpler life in Essos.
The embarrassment, as well as his preconceived notions of his knightly duties in relation to his carnal delights culminates in an explosive scene where Cole brutally pummels Joffrey (Solly McLeod) to death after being set off by the latter’s sly yet innocent remarks.
A Volcanic Barrage Followed by a Gloomy Resolution
Viewers at the time might have thought that this was a one-off broadcast of bloodshed. However, this scene is instrumental in illustrating Cole’s penchant for violence due to any slight perceived remark that leaves him frustrated.
The tragedy of the murder is further emphasized by the knowledge of Laenor and Joffrey’s relationship. With an ever-looming, homophobic atmosphere, watching Laenor’s love, and possibly, a semblance of happiness, being swiftly and violently snatched away from his grasp is another level of pain.
12Blood and Cheese
House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 1 - “A Son For A Son”
Over the weekend, excited viewers tuned in to watch the second season premiere ofHouse Of The Dragon.Returning to a tense Westeros preparing for war, audiences catch glimpses of Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) grieving over the loss of her son Lucerys (Elliot Grihault), Alicent (Olivia Cooke) attempting to make sense of the recent escalation, and their respective circles interjecting with their various beliefs and plans for vengeance.
Related:House of the Dragon Just Changed One of the Most Important Scenes From the Book
A Subdued Tragedy Onscreen
One of these voices is none other than the bloodthirsty Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). Initially seen rushing efforts to best the Greens, he takes it upon himself to plot an assassination attempt on Aemond’s (Ewan Mitchell) life.
Bribing a Gold Cloak (Sam C. Wilson) and the royal ratcatcher (Mark Stobbart) to carry out the plot, the two sneak into the castle and find their way into the royal chambers, where they find Queen Helaena (Phia Saban) and her two children, resulting in the murder of Prince Jaehaerys (Jude).
While initial reactions believed the scene to be “underwhelming,” the horror written on Saban’s face during the entire ordeal not only captures the gravity of her son’s gruesome murder but the bloodshed that would follow.
11The Mutiny at the Wall
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 10 “Mother’s Mercy”
Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) story, from the beginning, has been based on antiquated ideas of “bastardry,” his time at the Wall, and his eventual, and controversial, moves during the War Of The Five Kings. One of the most pivotal moments was his sudden demise in the finale of the sixth season. After allowing the Wildings to integrate with the protectors of the Wall, several Night’s Watch members launch a mutinous attack, viciously stabbing him to death.
A Valiant Hero Subjected to a Bloody Betrayal
Despite the events that would occur in the following season, the scene was daunting to say the least. The anger from the mutiny radiates beyond the screen, each strike echoing, even tuning out Jon’s dying gasps. The disaster is further exacerbated by Jon’s role as an admirable hero who fans have watched evolve throughout the years. Despite its gruesome nature, the scene sets Jon up for an interesting arc that bridges the Night’s Watch to the greater conflicts on the continent.
10The Sept of Baelor Attack
Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 6 “Blood of My Blood”
Much of the sixth season is preoccupied with the power struggle between reigning Queen Cersei (Lena Headey) and the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce), a religious fundamentalist who quickly acquires a lot of power in King’s Landing, rivaling that of the Red Keep itself. After Cersei is humiliated by the High Sparrow in front of her constituents, she decides to skip out of her trial.
When the royals and those loyal to the High Sparrow congregate at the Great Sept Of Baelor, Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) quickly deduces that Cersei has nefarious plans. The stubbornness of the High Sparrow dooms them all as the Sept erupts in green flames as Cersei strategically places barrels of wildfire under the building.
A Fiery Vengeance
The devastation displayed was quite unsettling. Even with the confirmed demise of the High Sparrow, many likable characters quickly perished without much of a thought. The chaos of the wildfire literally spilled into the streets, instantly burning up bystanders and causing much destruction to nearby buildings. The sight of a man being bludgeoned by one of the tower’s bells is just one of the many gut-wrenching outcomes of Cersei’s revenge.
9Daemon’s Stint as Commander of the Gold Cloaks
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 1 - “The Heirs of the Dragon”
In the first season ofHouse Of The Dragon, viewers meet the crafty yet dangerous Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), brother of King Viserys. After being warned about Daemon’s growing lust for the Iron Throne, Viserys quells dissent by making him the Commander of the City Watch.
Viewers and the court alike are then made to witness Daemon’s atrocities. Ranging from dismemberment to vile beatings, Daemon’s controversial leadership is subjected to even more scrutiny by Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).
A Character Blooms From Soil Made of Blood
Witnessing Daemon’s actions on screen harks back to the violence thatGame Of Throneswas built on. This scene is ome of the most crucial moments where audiences learn of Daemon’s aspirations, desires, and what he is willing to do to project power onto the populace as well as the royal court.
An underrated moment in the series, Daemon’s short-lived reign as the Commander and excessive violence characterize a key figure in the Dance of Dragons, rather than simply offering viewers a spectacle.
8Lucerys Velaryon vs Aemond Targaryen
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 10 - “The Black Queen”
The prelude to the war was marked by a chilling encounter between Prince Lucerys and Prince Aemond. Sent to Storm’s End to convince the Baratheons into pledging fealty to Rhaenyra, Lucerys is confronted by a sly Aemond who attempts to chase him off, in part due to the former being responsible for gouging out his eye during a conflict when they were children.
Hoping to escape, Lucerys and his dragon Arrax attempt to dodge Aemond and his dragon, Vhagar, to no avail. The battle between kin concludes with Vhagar viciously devouring Lucerys and Arrax in one gulp.
The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back
Watering the soil for Blood and Cheese, this event is cited by many to be the start of the Dance Of Dragons. The series injects more nuance into the depiction of the battle, reimagining it as an inadvertent attack on Aemond’s behalf. In that regard, the spar between the two Targaryens appears to be even more tragic, since the scene illustrates just how avoidable Lucerys' death, and by extension, the calamities that definethe Dance of Dragons, could have been.
7The Sons of the Harpy’s Assault on Meereen
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 4 - “Sons of the Harpy”
An imperative step in bringing Daenerys over to Westeros is the consolidation of her power in Slaver’s Bay. Conquering Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, Daenerys effectively carved out a slavery-freekingdom of her own in Essos. However, multiple slavers have banded together in hopes of toppling the Targaryen and reinstating slavery. This devious collaboration resulted in the formation of the Sons Of The Harpy, an ode to the slave-based Ghiscari cities of their ancestors.
A Vile Insurgency Primed for Revenge
The Sons Of The Harpy launch a destructive offensive on Meereen, brutally murdering the newly liberated population as well as high ranking members of Daenerys' court. Advertising lewd promises in hopes of incentivizing more folks to join the revolt against Dany, the tides turn in their favor, leaving Dany and her allies completely surrounded.
Nevertheless, a loyal yet stubborn Drogon returns to eviscerate the majority of the Harpys, sending them back into retreat, and thus leaving audiences with one of the bloodiest battles in Essos.
6Aemond Loses an Eye
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 7 - “Driftmark”
House Of The Dragonexcels in illustrating the various threads of conflict that would serve as a foundation for the Dance Of Dragons. One of which involves the bloody squabble between the children of Rhaenyra and Alicent.
After a young Aemond (Leo Ashton) and Aegon (Ty Tennant) attempt to claim Laena’s (Nanna Blondell) Vhagar for themselves, a brawl ensues between her daughters Baela (Shani Smethurst) and Rhaena (Nova Foueillis-Mosé), Aemond taunts their nephews, who intervene on Baela and Rhaena’s behalf, with rumors of their true lineage. The scuffle turned bloody when Lucerys struck Aemond in the eye with his knife.
A Grave Sacrifice in More Ways Than One
The aftermath is even more calamitous, with the King, the Kingsguard, and both mothers running into the chaotic scene. Alicent herself even threatens to take out Lucerys' eye for retribution, only to unwittingly slice Rhaenyra’s hand during a struggle. The show never shies away from the intense skirmish, even giving audiences a close-up look at Aemond’s disfigured eye. To make matters worse, Aemond receives Vhagar, which inevitably gives the Greens an advantage in the upcoming war.
